Annually on 8 February, on the feast of Saint Josephine Bakhita (the patron saint of victims of modern slavery and human trafficking), we commemorate the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking.
The theme for the 2026 day is: Peace Begins with Dignity: A Global Call to End Human Trafficking.
As Sr Annette Arnold (Talitha Kum Oceania Representative) shares, “In marking this important day when we draw inspiration from St Bakhita, herself a slave, as we take up the challenge in our own day. The theme for 2026 of “peace begins with dignity” highlights how inseparable these two values are: ‘True peace is not just the absence of war but the presence of justice’ [1], compassion, and respect for every human life. Where dignity is violated through exploitation, trafficking, poverty, or displacement—peace is broken. When dignity is upheld, peace is restored. Thus, on this feast of Saint Josephine Bakhita, we gather as a global community, from every continent and tradition, united in prayer, affirming that ending human trafficking is both a moral and spiritual call.
“Catholic women and men religious, their allies and partners who form Australian Catholic Religious Against the Trafficking of Humans (ACRATH), a network of the international Talitha Kum (founded by the International Union of Superiors General – UISG), operating in over 108 countries, call on all Australians to become aware of this crime in our own country and globally. Human trafficking and modern slavery are on the increase globally.
“ACRATH is now in its 21st year of effectively working to eliminate human trafficking and the harm it causes. Join the momentum to actively advocate, educate and support survivors.”
You’re invited to join an online ‘Pilgrimage of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking’ today (Friday 6 February) beginning in Melbourne/Sydney/Hobart at 9:00pm (AEDT).
All the information is shared by ACRATH on their website and flyer here. Additionally, Sr Annette shares the Prayer Service resource (which can be adapted to local needs) below.
[1] Emily Green Balch, winner of 1946 Peace Prize